Latest California Healthline Stories
Genetic Testing Company to Run Direct-to-Consumer Ads for Cancer Tests
Myriad Genetics Inc., manufacturer of tests for genetic predisposition for some cancers, will begin marketing its ovarian and breast cancer tests directly to consumers this fall, the AP/Washington Times reports.
More States Turn to the Internet to Improve Enrollment in CHIP, Medicaid
A number of states are turning to the Internet and other new technologies to improve enrollment in CHIP and Medicaid, according to a National Governors Association report.
California to Receive Additional $56.6M from HHS for Bioterrorism Preparedness
HHS yesterday announced that California will receive an additional $56.6 million to help improve the state’s bioterrorism preparedness as part of a $1.1 billion program announced in January, the Sacramento Bee reports.
Los Angeles County Mortality Rate Drops 26% in Past Decade; Racial, Ethnic Disparities Persist
The mortality rate for Los Angeles County residents dropped 26% between 1991 and 2000, but disparities among racial and ethnic groups persist, according to a report released yesterday by the county Department of Health Services, the Los Angeles Times reports.
Teen Birth Rate Falls 5% to New Record Low, According to New CDC Report
The overall U.S. teen birth rate fell 5% last year to mark a new “record low,” according to preliminary birth statistics released yesterday by the CDC.
California Judge Fines R.J. Reynolds $20M for Ads Aimed at Youth in Violation of Settlement
A California judge yesterday fined tobacco company R.J. Reynolds $20 million for “pursuing an advertising strategy that promotes youth smoking,” a violation of the 1998 national tobacco settlement, the New York Times reports.
Bush Outlines Proposal for Cabinet-Level Department of Homeland Security
President Bush yesterday outlined a proposal to create a new Cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security, which would oversee the government’s response to disasters and “tighten the nation’s domestic defenses,” the Washington Post reports.
Palomar Pomerado Health District Nurses Vote to Join California Nurses Association
The California Nurses Association will represent 546 of the 600 nurses in the Palomar Pomerado Health district after a majority of the nurses approved the move in a vote this week, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports.
Stabenow to Lead Mich. Seniors on Prescription Drug Buying Trip
Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-Mich.), who is coordinating Senate Democrats’ legislative efforts on prescription drug costs, on Monday will lead a group of Michigan seniors on a bus trip to Canada to purchase cheaper medications, the Detroit News reports.
Raising Smoking Age from 18 to 21 Would Not Reduce Underage Smoking, Editorials Say
Several recent editorials have said that a proposal to amend an anti-smoking bill (AB 1453) to include a provision that would raise the state’s legal smoking age from 18 to 21, making it the highest in the nation, would not reduce youth smoking.